5 Simple Tricks to Help You Drink More Water Every Day
Updated: Jul 28, 2020
You have probably heard that up to 75% of your body is made up of water. That is why it is so important to stay hydrated. Your body needs to continually intake of water (approx 2-3 litres per day) to function properly. A lack of water affects not just your physical health, but your mental health as well.
Do you ever experience the following symptoms?
Unnaturally dry skin
Few tears when you cry
Fever
Muscle cramps
You are tired all the time
Bags under your eyes
Headaches
Dizziness
Rapid breathing or heartbeat
Dry, sticky mouth
You are thirsty all the time
Those are some common signs of mild to severe dehydration in teens and adults. Dangerous cholesterol levels, liver and joint damage, weak muscles, kidney stones and constipation are just a few of the health conditions dehydration can cause.
Problems can arise quickly when you don't supply your body with the water it needs to function properly. Any lost liquids in your body should be replaced immediately. This means drinking a lot of water while you exercise, or any time you exert yourself physically.
What Causes Dehydration?
Scroll down to find ways to stay hydrated, but first let's find out what can happen if you don't drink enough. Some causes of dehydration make a lot of sense, like intense physical activity. You sweat out a lot of the water in your body, and if you do not replace that liquid, you can become dehydrated. Here are a few more reasons your body may not be properly hydrated.
Diabetes can cause symptoms of thirst
Gastro, IBS-D or other gut health issues
Vomiting from the flu or other illness
Alcohol poisoning or binge drinking
Food-borne illnesses
Frequent urination
Side effects of some medicines
You don't drink enough water
When you have gastro or IBS-D, your body does not properly absorb water from the foods you eat. This is the most common cause of dehydration. Blood pressure medications and antihistamines can also create a lack of hydration in some people.
How To Stay Properly Hydrated
You may drink plenty of water each and every day, and still find yourself with several of the dehydration symptoms mentioned above. This can sometimes be triggered by adrenal fatigue. With adrenal fatigue, even if you drink plenty of water throughout the day may be feel still thirsty, with cravings for salt and sugar. If this is the case, I highly recommend you see your GP or health practitioner for a checkup.
To get in the habit of drinking more, I suggest you start carrying bottled water with you as you go about your daily routine. Sports drinks, energy drinks and sodas do not count. Herbal teas, freshly squeezed or cold pressed juices, mineral water and infused or vitamin water do.
Water is so important to normal bodily functions. From head to toe, inside and out, and even mentally, your body benefits from a healthy supply of water. Excess water will simply be passed through your system, so make sure you are drinking plenty of this simple but essential health drink.
The average adult needs to drink at least 1 gallon of water each and every day for optimal health. Practice the following 5 simple tricks to help you drink more water on a daily basis, and your health will see a positive boost.
Get In The Habit, Girl!
A goal without a plant is just a wish. If you just sit back and think about consuming those 3 litres of water, let float in the back of your mind, you may not be that successful heaping all the health benefits. Hydration equals easier weight loss, gorgeous naturally glowing skin, better nutrient absorption and gut health. You really don't want to skimp on these results, so get into the habit. I suggest to clients that put a reminder in their smartphone or a few post its around the house, office and even on the steering wheel of the car! Create a specific goal for your daily water consumption and program the habit-forming part of your brain to increase your water intake. It's easier than you think!
Plan For It
As a rule, try keep a few bottles of fresh water on hand at all times. Store some in your refrigerator for a cool and refreshing zero calorie treat that also helps fight hunger pangs. Keep bottled water at your job, in your vehicle, at home and in your baby bag when you are on the go. The more water available, the more likely you are to drink this healthy beverage rather than an unhealthy, sugar-filled and processed alternative.
Invest In A Fancy Water Bottle
Don't just head to your local $1 store for this purchase. Treat yourself sweet mama, you deserve it. Get yourself a real good-looking, functional, BPA-free water bottle you love and can't wait to carry with you. If you are proud to display your new healthy habit, you are much more likely to stick to it.
Hunt around for a nice design. I love using the steel water bottles and found some gorgeous print designs here and ombre designs here. Don't be afraid they'll leave a bad metal taste in your mouth either, they won’t. Steel is naturally more durable than glass and less toxic for the environment than plastic.
I have also found these stunning crystal infused water bottles (pictured) and have been in love ever since. Rose Quartz Crystals vibrate at a natural frequency and infuse their positive energy into the water well, to vitalize, heal, and balance. Its super easy to swap out the quartz for your favourite crystals at home. This particular one comes with Amethyst, Citrine, Lapis, Himalayan Salt, and many more! I was also looking at this one with Amethyst and this one with aquamarine.
There's An App For That
It seems there is an application for just about anything, and keeping up on your water is one of them. Search for easy to use apps like Daily Water, iDrated, and Waterlogged. These apps make it super easy to track your water consumption on a daily basis, and range from free to just $.99 per download.
Add Healthy Natural Flavour
Why not pop some blueberries, cucumbers, strawberries, limes or orange slices into your water? When you are done drinking, you enjoy a healthy fruit or vegetable snack. Infused water is a fabulous healthy way to boost your nutrient intake and hydrate instead of from sugary juices, chemical filled colas and energy drinks. You can also add your favourite herbs for a wonderful aroma while you hydrate yourself naturally. Some of my favourites are rosemary, basil, mint, coriander, lemon balm and lavender. For more recipes, go here or browse my collection of infused and vitamin waters on my Pinterest.
I also love adding an Arbonne fizzstick or PhytoSport Hydrate to my water bottle. These provide essential vitamins, trace minerals and are fabulous for those addicted to colas and energy drinks who want to quit. Just swap a fizzy for your usual cola or energy drink and free yourself from the sugar, chemicals and caffeine dump. Get your box of all natural goodness here.
Health + happiness,
Emma
xoxo
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